The Valentine's Day Lie

I waited like a fool for my husband all day, waiting for him to come home and spend Valentine's Day with me.

But it wasn't until 1 AM the next day that he finally appeared before me, covered in travel dust.

He pulled me into his arms, a hint of deliberate guilt in his voice: Baby, that's the bad thing about budget flights, taking off too late. But... I saved over a thousand dollars.

"Didn't you always nag me to save some diaper fund money for the baby?"

My eyelashes trembled slightly. I suppressed the indescribable grievance in my heart and teased him pretending to be relaxed.

"Our Julian, the second-generation heir of the Sterling family, the young master who believes in hedonism, when have you ever been persuaded by me? Just a business trip, and you seem like a different person."

His body stiffened for a split second, almost imperceptibly. Then, he frivolously scraped the tip of my nose, masking everything with a smile.

"Isn't it all influenced by my little financial manager? Money that shouldn't be spent, not a cent can be wasted."

Chapter 1

He remembered something, turned around and opened his suitcase, "Sweetie, I brought you a Valentine's gift."

Saying that, he handed me a bag.

Inside was a pink floral dress.

I held it up.

"It's pretty, just..."

It was too different from the style of gifts he used to give me.

Not designer bags, perfumes, or other jewelry.

But a dress without even a tag.

Julian rubbed my head, tone somewhat proud, "Bought it at the Miami Night Market, two for sixty-five."

"Great cut, nice fabric, super cost-effective." His eyes shone as he looked at me, begging for praise.

I leaned in, cupping his face and examining it seriously.

"Confess, who picked it for you!" I didn't believe he became so thrifty overnight, and could even pick out a nice dress from a street stall with sharp eyes.

He quickly pecked my cheek, tone helpless.

"It was Mia, she insisted on showing me the prices on the street outside her university."

"Finally know how college students live on eight hundred a month."

Mia, his biological sister attending college in Miami.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Asked casually: "Your family only gives Mia eight hundred a month?"

He froze, hugged me, "How is that possible. It's her roommate who has a poor family background."

Then he rested his chin gently on my shoulder, somewhat tiredly said: "So tired."

"This month on business trip in Miami, missed you especially."

"Is the baby good? Didn't make you uncomfortable again, right?"

I touched my belly, tone softening, "The little guy tosses and turns all day."

Seeing this, he said fiercely to my belly, "Make Mommy trouble again, and I'll spank you when you're born!"

I couldn't help laughing, "Alright, hurry up shower and sleep."

Paused, then mumbled, "Julian, you owe me a Valentine's Day tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am!" The sound of water started in the bathroom.

I put my mind at ease, the depression of missing Valentine's Day swept away.

His phone was casually placed on the table.

Ghost-driven, I picked it up.

Wallpaper still our photo, password still my birthday.

No anomalies in WeChat chats.

He was even really chatting with Mia about money-saving tips, reading like he was eager to try.

I smiled speechlessly, annoyed at myself for being so bored.

He couldn't possibly cheat, and I was checking his phone seriously like others.

Exiting to the desktop, just about to turn off the screen, a red app in the corner caught my attention.

He even downloaded Temu.

Clicked in, no purchase records.

Just as I was about to exit, a message popped up at the top.

[You have successfully assisted Daisy! The system gifts you a new user free order qualification...]

Chapter 2

Daisy... I silently recited this name.

So Julian downloaded Temu just to help her get a deal.

I unconsciously gripped the phone tightly.

Remembered when we first started dating, I invited him too.

He refused without thinking.

"If you want money, I'll just transfer it to you." The sound of water in the bathroom didn't stop.

Budget flight tickets, floral dress, and this Daisy.

Julian, is there really no problem?

My throat tightened, heart pounding.

Walked to the balcony, dialed Mia's number.

The girl's cheerful voice sounded.

"Sister-in-law, why aren't you sleeping so late, what's up?"

I said gently: "Mia, I want your roommate's contact info. Heard from your brother her family is poor, considering sponsoring her."

"Oh, Daisy Xu. I'll send you her WeChat."

"Her family values boys over girls, gave birth to four daughters before having a son."

"She's the third, living the hardest, but quite inspirational, living happily on eight hundred a month."

"My brother keeps nagging me to learn from her, ears are calloused..."

I instructed her not to tell anyone first.

She agreed. I didn't hear clearly what she said later, just staring at the pretty girl's avatar on the screen in a daze.

If I remember correctly, the remark Julian gave her was "Teacher Daisy."

A vague yet extremely ambiguous title.

My fingertips turned white.

Clicked friend request, using my identity as a famous writer.

"Scarlett?" Julian stood not far behind me at some point.

I turned off the screen, turned to hold his hand, chuckled lightly: "Came out for some air, let's go back to sleep."

Late at night, lying in bed tossing and turning.

While he was asleep, I got out of bed, quietly pushing open the bedroom door.

The light of the phone screen hit my face.

Quickly found Daisy's social account.

A girl who loves sharing life, username just Daisy.

Scrolled down, saw the first post related to Julian.

Title: [Roommate dating a punk, let me entertain her CEO brother QAQ]

She took him to the night market, ate cheap food he never ate.

From disdain to acceptance, from cold face to smiling.

[CEO really smells good (changed his mind)!]

[With me, he can learn many money-saving tips, feel like I can charge tuition...]

A pure black avatar commented under the post.

[Please guide me more, Teacher Daisy.]

Girl went crazy.

[Damn, cover blown!]

[Teacher Daisy reluctantly takes you on a budget tour of Miami hahaha.]

Last Friday was her birthday, Julian pushed work to accompany her to the amusement park.

Roller coasters, pendulum rides, drop towers. He, who is afraid of heights, played them all, face pale, retching desperately.

Daisy posted: [Super moved, specially brave Mr. Shen!]

And that day I was alone in the hospital for prenatal checkup. The baby either sat straight up unable to be photographed, or arm blocked the face.

Tossed for a whole afternoon, anxious and uneasy.

Pretended to be relaxed texting Julian to complain, he never replied.

Maybe due to pregnancy hormones, I panicked for no reason, rarely contacted his assistant.

Reply was, "Mr. Sterling is busy with a meeting, might not have seen Madam's message."

"Next checkup I can help contact the Old Madam to accompany."

I put my mind at rest: "No need, just a bit worried about him."

And his mother always looked down on me, no need to ask for a snub.

Latest post, Daisy wore that pink floral dress, spent Valentine's Day with him.

Parting, she said [Don't like immorality, hate female competition even more, I want you to choose me unswervingly.]

Julian commented after getting off the plane.

[You are strong, brave, kind. Beauty is the least worth mentioning merit.]

[Regret is we met too late.]

[If there is a next life, I choose you.]

5 AM, sky gradually turning white.

I sat quietly on the living room sofa, booked a hospital abortion.

Julian, no need for next life.

You can choose her now.

Chapter 3

8 AM, he woke up.

Looked for me immediately, relieved seeing me "Scarlett, why up so early."

"Baby not behaving again?"

He squatted in front of me, worry looking genuine.

Touched my belly with heartache, "Wifey, really hard on you."

"I dreamed of our first child last night."

"Sigh, let's not mention this, this one will definitely go smoothly."

"I won't leave again, this time I will accompany you until birth."

"Make you the happiest Mrs. Sterling!" His tone was very sincere.

If I hadn't seen those posts, I'm afraid I would have believed these words.

Moved his hand away from my belly, forced a smile, "Go to work quickly."

"Earn more diaper fund for this naughty one."

He frowned, face full of disapproval, "Said I'll make up a Valentine's Day for you."

"Even if the sky falls today, I will accompany you." He rubbed my head comfortingly, "Don't worry, all arranged. No one will disturb us."

"Sweetie, go change clothes."

"I prepared many surprises this time." He was in high spirits.

I frowned, clutching the phone, thinking maybe I should change the appointment time.

Changed clothes and came out, disappointment flashed in his eyes.

"Why not wear that dress?" I smiled: "Haven't washed it, you became so unparticular after a business trip."

Panic flashed in his eyes, then he smiled and shook his head, "Pregnancy brain for three years, looks like I'm the silly one."

Then diligently brought shoes to me, "Princess please lift foot."

Prepared everything needed for going out in detail.

Phone rang suddenly before leaving.

He looked, expression unchanged.

"Sweetie, I'll take a call."

"You sit and rest a while." I opened my phone, found the abortion appointment interface.

Finger paused, no movement.

Cold silence in the air for three minutes.

He came out from the soundproof balcony, silent for a long while.

Expression a bit guilty, voice extremely low.

"Company has some problems, I have to go there quickly."

"Scarlett, make up Valentine's Day tomorrow okay?"

"Or I let the assistant accompany you to play first?" Tone almost pleading.

Although I comforted myself long ago, he probably doesn't love anymore.

Or loves more than one.

Heart still sank inevitably.

He lowered his head daring not look into my eyes.

"I swear, just this once." I said gently: "Okay, you go."

He sighed with relief instantly, "Thank you for your understanding." Self-lamented: "Really married a good wife." Hurriedly planted a kiss on my forehead, turned and left.

Completely didn't notice my obviously red eyes.

Julian, actually I saw.

The one calling you was Teacher Daisy.

Chapter 4

I asked my lawyer best friend Chloe to help draft a divorce agreement.

Took a taxi to the hospital myself, didn't tell anyone.

Afraid of softening if persuaded.

After all, I looked forward to the baby's arrival more than anyone.

Doctor looked solemnly at the preoperative checkup sheet in hand.

"Ms. Su, fetus is eleven weeks."

"Given your current physical condition, having an abortion might mean unable to conceive in the future."

"Please sign here if confirmed." My raised hand was trembling.

First child with Julian, aborted under his mother's coercion.

Five years, I still clearly remember how painful the painless abortion was.

Also remember him hugging me tightly after surgery, red-eyed promising to love me forever.

Just finished signing, phone ding-dong, Daisy accepted the friend request.

Her Moments updated ten minutes ago, [Just couldn't help saying miss you.]

Picture shows two hands fingers interlocked.

Laughable is Julian still wearing the ring I gave.

But flew to Miami leaving me behind just because she missed him.

When they kissed under the Canton Tower, I was lying on the operating table.

When they walked by the river, I was pushed out of the operating room.

Chloe rushed over, face paler than mine.

"Scarlett, you are too stubborn. Insisted on marrying him back then."

"Now coming alone..." She paused, stopped talking.

I curved my lips gently, "Alright." "How is the divorce agreement preparation?"

She sniffled, "Electronic version sent to your email."

"Julian he... cheated?" I nodded imperceptibly.

Her eyes filled with tears, "Heartache for you."

"If I knew this, I wouldn't have advised my brother to let go back then."

"I'll call him back now!" I frowned, urgent: "Chloe!"

"Not calling, not calling, don't get excited." She put down the phone.

"What to do next?" I had no expression, said softly: "You know, my temper is stubborn."

"They are finished." I told Daisy I learned about her family difficulties, asked if she needed sponsorship.

Girl thought she met a benefactor, lines full of admiration.

[Sister, I loved reading your books most in high school!]

[If possible, really hope to get this sponsorship quota!]

I hooked my lips, [If convenient come to New York to meet.]

Midnight.

Julian messaged me, [Sweetie I just got off work, you not home?]

[Don't know why heart always panicked, really want to see you immediately.]

[Playing at Chloe's? I pick you up.]

I said: [No need, staying at her place these days.]

[Came often when you were away, used to it.]

Silence on the other end for a long time.

[Sorry, Scarlett.]

[I promise won't happen again.] Again?

We have no again.

A week later, I wore a waist-cinching long dress attending the press conference.

When Julian arrived, gaze fell on my flat belly first, frowning.

"Why thinner?"

"Baby teasing you again?"

"Tsk, really have to spank hard then." I smiled, "Julian, let me introduce the little girl I want to sponsor."

Turned back holding the girl waiting aside, "Come, Daisy, this is your brother-in-law."

Julian froze on the spot, gaze shifted from her somewhat panicked.

Girl spoke first, "Hello brother-in-law." He nodded indiscriminately, forced a smile.

Conference started.

I announced the marriage with Julian, and told the reason for this sponsorship.

Finally pointed to the screen.

"Daisy is a good child, these are some awards she won during school." However, once the video played, the audience exploded.

Julian ran onto the stage with a pale face, supporting my trembling body.

"Scarlett, listen to my explanation."

"Don't believe these, must be someone wanting to harm our baby!"